U.S. patent application number 14/887006 was filed with the patent office on 2016-02-11 for footwear sanitizing and deodorizing system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Shoe Care Innovations, Inc.. Invention is credited to Adam Ullman.
Application Number | 20160038622 14/887006 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49777124 |
Filed Date | 2016-02-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160038622 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ullman; Adam |
February 11, 2016 |
FOOTWEAR SANITIZING AND DEODORIZING SYSTEM
Abstract
Introducing ultraviolet (UV) light to activate a light sensitive
chemical compound applied to interior portions of footwear alters
the environment inside a shoe or other footwear to destroy
microorganisms or inhibit their growth. Visible light can also be
used to prevent further microorganism growth. Introducing forced
air flow through the footwear removes dampness in and thereby
deodorizes the footwear. A preferred embodiment comprises an
adjustable shoe tree equipped with a UV germicidal light source and
electronic safeguards that prevent appreciable leakage of UV
radiation outside the shoe.
Inventors: |
Ullman; Adam; (Menlo Park,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Shoe Care Innovations, Inc. |
Redwood City |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49777124 |
Appl. No.: |
14/887006 |
Filed: |
October 19, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14552150 |
Nov 24, 2014 |
9162000 |
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14887006 |
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|
13920055 |
Jun 17, 2013 |
8895938 |
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14552150 |
|
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|
13160066 |
Jun 14, 2011 |
8466433 |
|
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13920055 |
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12281910 |
Sep 5, 2008 |
7960706 |
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PCT/US07/63925 |
Mar 13, 2007 |
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13160066 |
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60881552 |
Jan 22, 2007 |
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60781276 |
Mar 13, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
250/492.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 2/10 20130101; A61L
2209/11 20130101; A61L 2/084 20130101; A61L 9/205 20130101; A61L
2/24 20130101; A61L 2209/12 20130101; A61L 2/088 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61L 2/10 20060101
A61L002/10; A61L 2/24 20060101 A61L002/24; A61L 2/08 20060101
A61L002/08 |
Claims
1. Apparatus for sanitizing human footwear having an opening in
which a person's foot is inserted to put on the footwear,
comprising: a light source operable to receive power from a power
source and to emit radiation in a wavelength range that sanitizes
the footwear by inhibiting growth of or destroying microorganisms
present in an interior region of the footwear; a support for the
light source to set it in a sanitization position to direct the
radiation to the interior region of the footwear; a light block
arranged to inhibit the radiation from harming an individual
proximally located to the footwear during sanitization; and safety
switch circuitry operatively associated with the power source to
interrupt delivery of power to the light source upon anticipation
of escape from the footwear of an excessive amount of radiation
caused by failure of the light block to inhibit the radiation or
dislodgment of the light source from the sanitization position.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the human footwear includes a
shoe.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a shoe tree
including an extensible spine operatively connecting a forepart and
a heel section, the forepart being sized to fit in the opening in
the footwear and including the light source, the support for the
light source, and an aperture through which the radiation can
propagate for incidence on the microorganisms in the interior
region.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, in which the extensible spine has an
extension length and the heel section includes a handle suitable
for a user to grasp to change the extension length of the
extensible spine.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the safety switch circuitry
includes a light sensor that cooperates with the light block to
operatively enable prevention of an excessive amount of the
radiation from escaping the footwear.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the light source emits
ultraviolet (UV) light.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, in which the light source includes a
light bulb.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the light source emits
visible light.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the light source includes a
light-emitting diode (LED).
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/552,150, filed Nov. 24, 2014, and now U.S.
Pat. No. 9,162,000; which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/920,055, filed Jun. 17, 2013, and now U.S.
Pat. No. 8,895,938; which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/160,066, filed Jun. 14, 2011, and now U.S.
Pat. No. 8,466,433; which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/281,910, filed Sep. 5, 2008, and now U.S.
Pat. No. 7,960,706; which is a 371 of International Application No.
PCT/US07/63925, filed Mar. 13, 2007; which claims benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/781,276 and 60/881,552,
filed Mar. 13, 2006 and Jan. 22, 2007, respectively.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] .COPYRGT.2015 Shoe Care Innovations, Inc. A portion of the
disclosure of this patent document contains material that is
subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no
objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent
document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and
Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all
copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR .sctn.1.71(d).
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present disclosure pertains to the use of light and
forced air flow in sanitizing and deodorizing human footwear.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0004] Warm, damp, dark environments provide favorable conditions
for growth of infectious biological microorganisms, allowing
bacteria, viruses, fungi, and their associated odors to
proliferate. For example, foot perspiration within shoes promotes
warmth and dampness, while closed shoes stored in dark closets may
fail to admit enough broad spectrum ambient light to control
pathogen levels. Excessive levels of harmful microorganisms
sustained in enclosed shoes may cause or promote various foot
maladies.
[0005] It is well-known that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light of
certain wavelengths, intensities, and durations can destroy or
inhibit growth of surface pathogens. For instance, germicidal lamps
that emit UVC radiation are used to treat waste water for the
purpose of reducing organic content. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,981,651 and
5,978,996 describe the use of UV light for sterilization; however,
not all UV light wavelengths are germicidal. The UV spectrum spans
wavelengths from 10 nm to 400 nm. The band from 320 nm to 400 nm is
designated as UVA; 280 nm to 320 nm is UVB; and 100 nm to 280 nm is
UVC. Germicidal UV light, the type that destroys microorganisms, is
limited to a wavelength range from 240 nm to 280 nm, in which
maximum germicidal efficiency coincides with a wavelength of 254
nm. UVA and visible light, which includes a near-UV component, have
been shown to inhibit growth but not to destroy pathogens.
[0006] One concern with harnessing UV light, which is a form of
short wavelength, high energy radiation, is that UV light can cause
damage to human tissue. Eyes are especially vulnerable when exposed
to direct incidence of UV light. Thus, any application of high
energy radiation, including UV light, should protect against
unwanted exposure.
[0007] Many air filtrations systems have filters to clean the air.
A typical air filter is the HEPA filter that is designed to remove
pollens, dust, smoke and other tiny particles that may attribute to
odor. Additionally, some air filtration systems use carbon to help
remove pollutants from the air. Other air filters, such as those
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,951,327 and 7,927,554, use titanium
dioxide (TiO.sub.2), in conjunction with a UV light source, in a
process called photo-catalytic oxidation to destroy bacteria,
volatile organic compounds, and other airborne pollutants to
sanitize the air.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0008] The present disclosure relates to introducing light and
forced air flow to alter the environment inside a shoe or other
footwear to destroy microorganisms or to inhibit their growth and
to deodorize the footwear. Air circulation helps dry damp
environments. Introducing air into or circulating air through a
shoe, such as a boot dryer does, assists in removing dampness found
inside a shoe. In one embodiment, delivery of germicidal UV light
is accomplished by mounting a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs),
tuned to an appropriate UV wavelength, inside a hollow shoe tree
that is inserted into the toe of the shoe. UV LEDs that emit light
within the germicidal range can be used to destroy microorganisms
residing in the shoe. In a second embodiment, an alternative light
source, a UV germicidal bulb, is used in place of UV LEDs. In a
third embodiment, visible light LEDs or a visible light bulb, both
of which are less expensive and easier to acquire than germicidal
UV light sources, are used because light within the visible
spectrum inhibits or prevents further growth of microorganisms, as
opposed to actually killing them. In a fourth embodiment, suitable
for commercial use, an enclosure contains UV light emanating from a
bulb inserted inside a shoe, without the support of a shoe tree. In
a fifth embodiment, an enclosure contains visible light emanating
from a bulb inserted inside a shoe, without support of a shoe
tree.
[0009] Embodiments of or accessories associated with a shoe tree
are implemented with safeguards to contain UV radiation exposure
within a region of interest. One method of containing UV radiation
inside a shoe entails placing an opaque or a translucent barrier
between the propagation path of the UV radiation and openings in
the shoe. A preferred embodiment of such a barrier is a seal set
around the spine or heel of a shoe tree. Alternatively, the
forepart of a shoe tree may incorporate a light restrictor, or caps
may be placed over openings in the shoe.
[0010] Another method of preventing unwanted UV exposure entails
activating the UV light source only if a threshold level of ambient
light is not detected. Ambient light detected inside a shoe
indicates a light leak, which could allow UV radiation to escape. A
light leak could be the result of improper insertion of the UV
light source into the shoe. Disabling the UV power source when a
threshold level of ambient light is detected by a light sensor,
such as a photodiode, phototransistor, a charge-coupled device
(CCD) sensor or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS)
sensor, similar to sensors used in cameras, prevents unwanted UV
exposure.
[0011] A variation on this method of preventing unwanted UV
exposure entails implementing an electrical safety switch that
prevents operation of the UV light source unless the UV light
source is properly inserted in the shoe. When positioned correctly,
the UV light source closes an electrical circuit, causing actuation
of the safety switch to an operating condition that allows a user
to activate the light source. Alternatively, instead of using a
traditional switch, a tilt switch, a motion sensor, an
accelerometer, or similar movement sensing device capable of
detecting whether the UV light source changes its position while
activated can be used to deactivate the light source upon its
movement to prevent the user from being exposed to the light.
[0012] A further method of safeguarding the user from unwanted
exposure to UV light entails placing the shoe inside a container.
The container is made of translucent, opaque, or transparent
material that absorbs at least some of the UV light emanating from
the interior of the shoe. Use of a container may be combined with
the aforementioned light sensor to reduce the intensity of ambient
light inside the shoe, provided that the container is translucent
or opaque. This is a preferred method of treating sandals or
open-toed shoes with germicidal UV light while reducing risk of
unwanted UV exposure.
[0013] Another embodiment, in addition to providing the light
source to the interior of the footwear, circulates forced air
through the footwear to help dry it. The air circulation may
incorporate a filtration system to reduce the odor in the
footwear.
[0014] Yet another embodiment uses a titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2)
coating on parts located adjacent the UV lamp. The UV lamp will
cause a photocatalytic reaction with the titanium dioxide to
sanitize the air. A preferred implementation of this embodiment
also incorporates a fan or other device to circulate air to cause
the airborne pathogens to come in contact with the surfaces coated
with titanium dioxide.
[0015] Still another embodiment uses a photocatalytic oxidation
coating on surfaces inside the interior region of the footwear. A
light source illuminating the coated interior region of the
footwear activates antimicrobial properties of the coating to
provide an effective germicide for sanitizing the footwear.
[0016] Additional aspects and advantages will be apparent from the
following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which
proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first preferred embodiment
of a shoe tree, as seen from underneath a hollow forepart of the
shoe tree to show placement of light emitting diodes ("LEDs").
[0018] FIGS. 2A and 2B are bottom and top isometric views,
respectively, of a second preferred embodiment of a shoe tree, in
which an ultraviolet germicidal bulb is installed.
[0019] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E are, respectively, top plan,
right-hand side, left-hand side, rear, and front elevation views of
the shoe tree shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0020] FIG. 3F is a front perspective view of the shoe tree shown
in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0021] FIG. 3G is a sectional view taken along lines 3G-3G of FIG.
3A.
[0022] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the shoe tree shown in FIGS.
2A and 2B.
[0023] FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional side elevation
view of the heel section of the shoe tree shown in FIGS. 2A and
2B.
[0024] FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary isometric view of the
safety interlock switch in the heel section of the shoe tree shown
in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0025] FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional side elevation
view of the hollow forepart of the shoe tree shown in FIGS. 2A and
2B.
[0026] FIG. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary pictorial view of a width
adjustment mechanism in the forepart of the shoe tree shown in
FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0027] FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C are diagrams of safety enclosures that
prevent light leakage from a shoe sanitizer installed in a
shoe.
[0028] FIGS. 10A and 10B are pictorial side elevation views showing
different sides of a first embodiment of an integrated footwear
sanitizing and deodorizing system in, respectively, a folded state
and an unfolded state.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a pictorial frontal view showing the air flow
channel of the air hose in the sanitizing and deodorizing system of
FIGS. 10A and 10B.
[0030] FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C are diagrams showing installation of
the sanitizing and the deodorizing system of FIGS. 10A and 10B in
pairs of, respectively, high top shoes, slip-on loafers, and riding
boots.
[0031] FIG. 13 is a top plan pictorial view of a second embodiment
of an integrated footwear sanitizing and deodorizing system that
includes two probes configured for insertion in separate ones of a
pair of shoes.
[0032] FIG. 14 is a pictorial side elevation view of one of the
probes of the sanitizing and deodorizing system of FIG. 13.
[0033] FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C are diagrams showing one of the
probes of the sanitizing and deodorizing system of FIG. 13 inserted
in, respectively, a high top shoe, slip-on loafer, and riding
boot.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] FIG. 1 shows, as a first embodiment, a shoe tree 100
configured to accommodate a semi-circular linear array of LEDs 102
that, in a preferred embodiment, radiate germicidal UV light, or
white light including a UV component, into the toe of a shoe in
which shoe tree 100 is inserted. A UV LED that emits light within
the germicidal range and is suitable for use in LED array 102 is a
Model No. UVTOP255-BL-TO39, available from Roithner LaserTechnik,
Vienna, Austria. Visible light (blue or white) LEDs, which are
readily available, can be used to inhibit or prevent further growth
of microorganisms in the shoe. Shoe tree 100 includes a hollow
forepart 104 connected by an extensible one-piece cylindrical spine
106 to a heel section 108.
[0035] Forepart 104 is a curved half-shell structure having an
inner surface 110 that supports multiple inwardly directed,
spaced-apart structural tabs 112 and having multiple generally
rectangular, elongated slots 114 that are spaced apart in a
transverse direction to the length of forepart 104. Light emitted
by LED array 102 propagates through elongated slots 114 and
impinges directly on the interior lining of the upper of a shoe
(not shown) in which shoe tree 100 is placed. Because forepart 104
of shoe tree 100 is hollow, the interior footbed of the shoe is
illuminated by LED array 102. A wall 120 defines a back end of
forepart 104 and has an interior surface 122 on which LED array 102
is mounted. Light emitted by LED array 102 propagates primarily in
a forward direction toward the toebox of the shoe. A half-oval
cutout 122 in wall 120 allows cylindrical spine 106, which extends
out of and retracts into the interior of heel section 108, to
extend into the toebox of the shoe, or retract to the middle of the
shoe, as needed to adjust the overall length of shoe tree 100 to
fit a particular shoe. Heel section 108 of shoe tree 100 is of a
design found in a conventional shoe tree. Heel section 108 is in
the shape of a modified solid rectangular block, with a rounded
lower surface 126, in which the depth 128 of the solid block
becomes gradually thicker from front to rear, to better conform to
the heel of a shoe. The bottom of heel section 108 may be scored
twice, dividing its surface lengthwise into three sections.
[0036] FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A-3G, and 4-7 show, as a second embodiment, a
sanitizing shoe tree 200 in which a UV germicidal bulb 202 is
installed, instead of LED array 102 used in shoe tree 100. Shoe
tree 200 includes a hollow forepart 204 connected by a
spring-loaded extensible spine 206 to a heel section 208.
Electronic components enabling UV safety features are concealed
throughout heel section 208, spine 206, and hollow forepart 204 and
are, therefore, not apparent from the exterior of shoe tree 200.
Heel section 208 terminates in a closed loop-shaped handle 210 to
facilitate length adjustment; spring-loaded extensible spine 206
allows linear motion into and out of heel section 208; and hollow
forepart 204 features large openings, or windows, of non-uniform
size and shape through which light can propagate into the interior
of a shoe. A power supply cord 212 extends from the rear of heel
section 208 and provides electrical power for delivery to UV
germicidal bulb 202 as described below. The top of handle 210
includes a power-on button 214, which activates the UV bulb along
with its safety checks. The manufacture of shoe tree 200 may
incorporate a scent into the material by impregnating it with a
liquid, a solid, or a gel. For example, shoe tree 200 could be
constructed from a scented polymer such as that used in the
manufacture of AURACELL products by Rotuba, Linden, N.J.
[0037] With particular reference to FIG. 3A, forepart 204 is formed
by two skeletal sections, including a left-hand side skeletal
section 218 and a right-hand side skeletal section 220. Skeletal
section 218 has from front to back an approximately
triangular-shaped window 222 and a generally parallelogram-shaped
window 224. Skeletal section 220 has from front to back generally
parallelogram-shaped windows 230, 232, and 234.
[0038] FIG. 3A shows the asymmetric design of hollow forepart 204
of shoe tree 200. Windows 224 and 234 are symmetric about a central
longitudinal axis 238, which runs along the seam of skeletal
sections 218 and 220 when they are assembled together. Central
longitudinal axis 238 extends straight through the instep of shoe
tree 200, angling sideways at approximately 60.degree. in the toe
area, causing the foremost window openings 222 and 230, to be
irregularly shaped. A pair of shoe sanitizers includes left-hand
and right-hand shoe trees, the left-hand shoe tree configured in a
mirror image of right-hand shoe tree 200 shown in FIG. 3A.
[0039] With particular reference to FIG. 4, skeletal section 218
has a floor portion 244 from which a tab member 246 extends and
contacts a tab member 248 that extends from a floor portion 250 of
skeletal section 220 (see also FIG. 3G). Tab members 246 and 248
form a smooth surface region when skeletal sections 218 and 220 are
assembled together at the bottom of hollow forepart 204. Skeletal
sections 218 and 220 support on their respective floor portions 244
and 250, mounting blocks 252 that are sized to receive and support
a split bulb carrier 254. Split bulb carrier 254 is an assembly of
matable half sections 256, from which T-shaped projections 258
extend. Base portions 260 of T-shaped projections 258 mate with
slots 262 of complementary shape formed in corresponding mounting
blocks 252 to hold split bulb carrier 254 in place when skeletal
sections 218 and 220 are assembled together. Tabs 264 extending
upwardly from base portions 260 of half sections 256 of bulb
carrier 254 accommodate a width adjustment of hollow forepart 204,
by constraining sideways motion of moveable skeletal sections 218
and 220 within their associated slots 266, one of which is shown in
FIGS. 2B and 4.
[0040] Split bulb carrier 254 forms a threaded socket that receives
a threaded base 280 of germicidal bulb 202 and a carrier for a
small electrical circuit board 282 on which is mounted an
electronic ambient light sensor 284. A suitable UV germicidal bulb
202 is a Model No. GTL3, available from Ushio, Inc., Cypress,
Calif. An ambient light sensor 284 suitable for use in shoe tree
200 is a Model No. LX1972IBC-TR, available from Microsemi, Irvine,
Calif. A pair of leaf springs 286 attached to the front of circuit
board 282 ensures contact to the positive and negative terminals of
UV germicidal bulb 202. The output signal of ambient light sensor
284 controls initial activation of a sanitizing operation of shoe
tree 200 and is, therefore, active for a momentary portion of the
sanitizing operation. The output signal is delivered through a
cable 288 to heel section 208.
[0041] A preferred implementation of sanitizing shoe tree 200
entails applying to its components located adjacent germicidal bulb
202 a titanium dioxide coating, which causes a photocatalytic
reaction with UV light emitted by germicidal bulb 202. Airborne
pathogens contacting the surfaces coated with titanium dioxide are
killed, thereby sanitizing the air in the vicinity of germicidal
bulb 202. Surfaces preferably coated with titanium dioxide include
outer front surfaces 256f and curved outer surfaces 256c of half
sections 256 of split bulb carrier 254 (FIG. 3F) and base portion
tab-receiving members 266r of the interiors of skeletal sections
218 and 220 (FIGS. 3A and 3F).
[0042] With particular reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, heel section 208
is an assembly of matable half-shell sections 300, which are held
together by screws 302. Each half-shell section 300 has interior
mounting tabs 304 that support an electrical circuit board 306 in
position below and along the length of the bottom part of handle
210. Circuit board 306 provides a connection point 308 in the form
of a power supply for power supply cord 212 and a connection point
310 for cable 288. Circuit board 306 carries a microcontroller 312
that controls the operation and safety functions implemented in
shoe tree 200. Microcontroller 312 controls through cable 288
delivery of electrical power to UV germicidal bulb 202 and
processing of the output signal of ambient light sensor 284.
Spring-loaded adjustable spine 206 includes at its forward end a
skeletal section spread plate 320 terminating in hollow forepart
204 and at its rear end a long coil spring 322 terminating in heel
section 208.
[0043] FIG. 4 shows a clevis 326 at an end of spread plate 320 and
a spring carrier 328. Spread plate 320 has a support surface 330 on
which half sections 256 of split bulb carrier 254 rest. Upright end
tabs 332 of spread plate 320 hold split bulb carrier 254 in place
by restricting its forward movement as spine 206 undergoes changes
in length. Two guide slots 334 in spread plate 320 converge in a
forward direction toward the toe end of forepart 204. Stepped guide
pins 336 pass through guide slots 334 in spread plate 320 and holes
338 in mounting blocks 252 of skeletal sections 218 and 220 to
secure spread plate 320 to skeletal sections 218 and 220 and spread
them apart in response to a shortening of spine 206. Spread plate
320 is positioned in forepart 204 so that UV germicidal bulb 202 is
set at a fixed distance of 5 cm from the end of a shoe in which
shoe tree 200 is installed. The reason for such bulb placement is
that the intensity and therefore the effectiveness of UV energy as
a sanitizing agent decreases with distance away from the light
source. Spring carrier 328, which is formed of two matable U-shaped
rails 344, contains and secures in its interior an end 346 of coil
spring 322. Spring carrier 328 is fixed by a pin 350 to clevis 326
of spread plate 320.
[0044] FIG. 5 shows coil spring 322 passing through a tubular
housing portion 352 in the forward end of heel section 208 and an
end 354 of coil spring 322 resting against a stop 356 in the rear
end of heel section 208. Coil spring 322 is held in a nominal
partly compressed state in spine 206. A strain relief clamp 358
holds cable 288 in position on housing portion 352 of heel section
208 as spine 206 undergoes changes in length. An articulated rubber
sleeve 360 positioned between forepart 204 and heel section 208
fits over spring carrier 328 and conceals it from view.
[0045] FIGS. 5 and 6 show a photo-interrupter implemented as a
safety switch 370, which includes a spaced-apart infrared (IR)
transmitter/detector pair. A fin 372 attached to the back end of
U-shaped rail 344 obstructs IR light emitted by the transmitter
from reaching the receiver when coil spring 322 is in its nominal
partly compressed state. Compression of spring 322 as shoe tree 200
is placed in a shoe causes fin 372 to move rearward, thereby
allowing IR light to reach the detector. The output signal from
photo-interrupter 370 is sent to microcontroller 312 on circuit
board 306 to enable application of power to UV germicidal bulb 202
through cable 288. A suitable photo-interrupter 370 is Part No.
GP1S092HCPIF, available from Sharp Electronics Corporation,
Romeoville, Ill.
[0046] One alternative implementation of safety switch 370 includes
use of a tilt sensor or an accelerometer to detect motion
dislodging or misaligning the light emission beam path of UV
germicidal bulb 202. One suitable accelerometer is a model LIS 302
DL, available from STMicroelectronics, Geneva, Switzerland.
[0047] FIGS. 7 and 8 show the front end of cable 288 where it plugs
into split bulb carrier 254 securing UV germicidal bulb 202. Three
parallel ribs 374 acting as structural supports for hollow forepart
204 extend downward from the top interior surface of skeletal
section 220. FIG. 7 shows ribs 374 positioned above the exterior
surface of split bulb carrier 254, together with two vertical
bulkheads 376 (FIG. 3G) positioned on either side of rubber sleeve
360 covering spine 206, to block light from escaping the toe of the
shoe. With reference to FIG. 8, for each of skeletal sections 218
and 220, a coil spring 348 is positioned between a spring tensioner
post 364 and guide pin 336 to hold skeletal sections 218 and 220
together when shoe tree 200 is not placed in a shoe. (In FIG. 8,
only one coil spring 348 appears, and it is shown disconnected from
spring tension post 364.) Spring tensioner post 364 and guide pin
336 are positioned outside of threaded base 280 of UV germicidal
bulb 202. Guide pin 336 restricts lateral displacement of skeletal
section 220. The end of a circular rivet 378 joining half sections
256 of split bulb carrier 254 is visible in FIG. 7, along with pin
350 located in clevis 326 at the rear of spread plate 320. Pin 350
forms a pivot point allowing spine 206 to articulate upward
relative to forepart 204.
[0048] Adjustment of the length of spine 206 to place shoe tree 200
in a shoe is accomplished by a user grasping handle 210 and
positioning forepart 204 in the toe box of the shoe. The user then
exerts pressure on heel section 208 to compress coil spring 322,
while lowering heel section 308 into the heel of the shoe.
Compressing coil spring 322 shortens spine 206 and thrusts spread
plate 320 forward, thereby separating skeletal sections 218 and
220, and producing a snug fit of shoe tree 200 in the shoe so that
UV light will not escape from it.
[0049] After shoe tree 200 is positioned inside a shoe, application
of electrical power through power supply cord 212 by actuation of
power-on button 214 triggers the following sequence of events to
protect user safety: A preliminary ambient light check is initiated
using light sensor 284 to ensure UV source 202 is contained within
the shoe with no detected light leaks. If the ambient light check
is negative (i.e., no appreciable light leakage detected), a heel
compression check using photo-interrupter 370 acting as an
electrical safety switch is initiated to ensure that shoe tree 200
is properly positioned within a shoe. If the heel compression check
is positive (i.e., improper shoe tree installation not detected),
microcontroller 312 engages UV light source 202 to sanitize the
shoe for approximately 30 minutes. If during a 30-minute shoe
sanitization operating window shoe tree 200 is removed or dislodged
from the shoe, safety switch 370 deactivates the UV light source
202. The forepart ambient light check using sensor 284 is not
active during the 30-minute operating window.
[0050] An alternative embodiment without use of a shoe tree lends
itself to commercial use and prohibits, by blocking the escape of
UV radiation during a shoe sanitization operating window, the UV
light from reaching an individual who is proximally located to the
shoe. This alternative embodiment entails inserting a UV lightbulb
into a shoe and either surrounding the shoe with a protective
"shower cap," enclosing the shoe in a protective bag, or sealing
the opening of the shoe.
[0051] More specifically, FIG. 9A shows a series of images that
illustrate enclosing a shoe 380 (image A1) in a shower cap style
enclosure 382 (images A2 and A3) and inserting a UV lightbulb 384
attached to a long, cylindrical handle 386 (image A4) through an
opening 388 in enclosure 382 into the inside of shoe 380 (image
A5). Enclosure 382 is secured around shoe 380 by tightening a
drawstring 390. FIG. 9B shows a series of images that illustrate
enclosing shoe 380 in a closed bag 392 (image B1). UV lightbulb 384
attached to handle 386 is inserted in an opening 394 in bag 392
(image B2) and into the inside of shoe 380 (images B3 and B4). Bag
392 is secured around shoe 380 by tightening a drawstring 396 that
closes the open side of bag 392.
[0052] Both enclosure 382 and bag 392 are made of a UV
light-blocking material. UV lightbulb 384 may be enclosed in a
protective metal mesh cage 398.
[0053] FIG. 9C shows a series of images that illustrate an
alternative to full enclosure of shoe 380 by sealing the open top
of shoe 80 with a cap 400 (image C1). Cap 400 has an opening 402
through which UV light bulb 384 attached to handle 386 is inserted
(image C2). Disassembly of UV light bulb 384 and cage 398 from
handle 386 is carried out to enable its passage through opening 402
and cap 400 (image C3).
[0054] FIGS. 10A and 10B show, as a first embodiment in respective
folded and unfolded states, a portable integrated footwear
sanitizing and deodorizing system 500 in which a centrally located
blower fan module 502 is connected at either of its output ends to
an integrated air discharge outlet and UV light emission member
504. Each member 504 includes a flexible fluid conduit or hose 506
that is connected to an output end of fan module 502 and terminates
in an outer housing 508 perforated with multiple openings 510 and
containing a tubular UV germicidal bulb 512 held in a socket 514.
Outer housing 508 is configured to fit through the opening and into
the interior region of a shoe or other footwear. Fan module 502
produces forced air stream flow through hoses 506. Each hose 506
delivers air stream flow into the outer housing 508 to which the
hose 506 is connected and directs the air stream flow in the space
between bulb 512 and outer housing 508 for discharge out of its
openings 510 and its outlet opening 510o to dry the footwear into
which outer housing 508 is inserted.
[0055] FIG. 11 shows an air flow channel 516 produced by an
apertured fitting 518 positioned at each end of hose 506. FIGS.
12A, 12B, and 12C show members 504 fitted inside the right and left
ones of pairs of, respectively, high top shoes 520, slip-on loafers
522, and riding boots 524.
[0056] With particular reference to FIG. 10B, a control switch 526
provided on fan module 502 gives user selection of operating modes,
and a set of LEDs 528 indicates the selected operating mode of
system 500. For example, a user can set control switch 526 to a
mode with UV light emission and the fan ON, a mode with UV light
emission ON without the fan, a mode with UV light emission ON for
preset light emission time, a mode with only the fan ON, a mode
with the fan constantly ON and UV light emission cycling ON and OFF
at a predetermined time interval, or a mode with UV light emission
and the fan OFF, each operating mode indicated by a corresponding
number of illuminated LEDs in a thermometer code scheme.
[0057] FIGS. 13 and 14 show, as a second embodiment, an integrated
footwear sanitizing and deodorizing system 540 that includes a pair
of similar gavel-shaped probes 542 electrically connected to a
controller 544. Each of probes 542 is equipped with a blower fan
546 and a tubular UV germicidal bulb 512 and is configured to fit
through an opening 548 (FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C) and into the
interior region of a shoe or other footwear.
[0058] Each probe 542 has an arm 550 and a perforated hollow stem
552. Arm 550 houses fan 546 and socket 514 to which bulb 512 is
connected. Arm 550 has a body 556 on opposite ends of which are
mounted hemispherical shells or contact balls 558. Contact balls
558 are extensible along the length of body 556 to fit against the
inside surface of and thereby secure in place probe 542 inside the
footwear. When they are not compressed by the inside surface of the
footwear, contact balls 558 may actuate a safety switch (not shown)
housed within arm 550 to disable UV light emission from bulb 512.
Rubber sleeve boots 560 provide a UV light-escape prevention
connection between contact balls 558 and body 556. Hollow stem 552
is perforated with multiple openings 562 through which light
emissions from bulb 512 and forced air produced by fan 546 can
pass. In this embodiment, fan 546 can be of a type that either
discharges air or draws in air to produce forced air flow. Forced
air produced by fan 546 flows in the space between bulb 512 and
hollow stem 552 along its length and out of its openings 562 and
its outlet opening 562o to dry the footwear article into which
probe 542 is inserted.
[0059] With particular reference to FIG. 13, controller 544
includes a housing 564 to which a rotary dial 566 is mounted for
user selection of which ones or both of probes 542 are to be
operated. An electrical power cord 568 delivers 120 VAC to
controller 544, and electrical wires 570 are routed from housing
564 to separate ones of probes 542.
[0060] FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C show probe 542 installed in,
respectively, high top shoe 520, slip-on loafer 522, and riding
boot 524. Contact balls 558 of probe 542 partly occlude opening 548
in the footwear article to allow forced air to escape from the
opening and thereby promote air flow through the footwear.
[0061] Another embodiment uses a photocatalytic oxidation coating
on surfaces inside interior region 104 or 204 of footwear article
100 or 204, respectively. LED light source 102 or UV light source
202 illuminating the coated interior region of the footwear article
activates antimicrobial properties of the coating to provide an
effective germicide for sanitizing the footwear. Although such
coatings are light-activated, most shoe constructions occlude light
from reaching the surfaces inside the interior region. Therefore,
use of light-activated coatings on these surfaces would not
activate until the coatings are exposed to light from the light
source placed inside the footwear.
[0062] One example photocatalytic oxidation coating is OxiTitan
Visible Light Response, which is available from EcoActive Surfaces,
Inc. of Pompano Beach, Fla. OxiTitan Visible Light Response is a
liquid formulation including titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2) that can
be readily sprayed or wiped with a towel onto shoe interior
surfaces.
[0063] Shoe interior coatings are exposed and activated by visible
light delivered from LED array 102 of shoe tree 100 (FIG. 1), or by
UV light delivered from UV light bulb 384 (FIG. 9A) or tubular UV
germicidal bulb 512 (FIG. 10A). In other embodiments, visible or UV
light may be delivered by an LED or a bulb mounted in a housing
having a transparent or translucent exterior surface that is sized
to snuggly fit, roll, or slide within the shoe interior. For
example, the housing exterior surface may be partly or completely
spherical, according to some embodiments. Previously described
enclosure 382 (FIG. 9A), bag 392 (FIG. 9B), cap 400 (FIG. 9C), and
safety features of FIGS. 10-15 could be omitted when visible light
is used to activate the photocatalytic oxidation coating.
[0064] It will be obvious to those having skill in the art that
many changes may be made to the details of the above-described
embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the
invention. The scope of the present invention should, therefore, be
determined only by the following claims.
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